Your Visa Guide: Turkey Transit Visa Information & Hong Kong Visa Processing Time

BY  Ankita Mar 26, 2024

Famous for the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art and for being the center of the semiautonomous Basque country, Bilbao is a major cultural hub and one of the most underrated cities in Spain to explore. Along with fascinating Basque culture, including its unique language, you’ll encounter excellent art galleries, Europe’s largest covered market, unique food, and a revitalized urban core that has received the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. Also called the Nobel Prize for Urbanism, it was awarded for the urban transformation this former manufacturing city has been able to achieve. All of these factors make Bilbao a fantastic city to explore. But that’s not all it has to offer. Even from the redeveloped heart of Bilbao, you can see the fertile green mountains that are characteristic of the Basque country. And with the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean just a short drive away, Bilbao makes a fantastic gateway to explore more of the countryside of northern Spain. Far from the arid landscapes of the south of the country, Bilbao sits in a region of high mountains, dense forests, and regular rain sweeping in from the sea. And if you want to explore this natural environment further, you’re in luck. Leave your heavy bags behind at a luggage storage facility in Bilbao and check out some of these great natural escapes for yourself. Along the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the natural beauty of the Basque country. Elorritxueta / Vivero   If your time in Bilbao is limited or you just don’t want to stray too far from the city, this hilltop park is a great place to get away from it all without having to go on a long journey. Located just outside central Bilbao itself, this wooded park offers incredible views over the city and the surrounding mountains, and the picnic tables and barbecue facilities make it the ideal place for a picnic. You’ll also find plenty of walking trails both in and around this park that can lead you to other points of interest in the region. For example, there’s an old bunker and system of tunnels dating back to the Spanish Civil War just a short walk away from the park and a scenic spot that provides one of the very best views of Bilbao from above at Ganguren Mendiaren Gailurra. Easy to reach from the city itself with a drive of less than half an hour, this is a popular spot with locals that is not well-known to travelers but provides a great natural escape close to the city. Atxabiribil Beach Bilbao isn’t technically coastal itself, but it’s not at all far from the wild Atlantic, and in the summer, the beautiful beaches overlooking the Bay of Biscay become some of the most popular places in the area to hang out and enjoy nature. This beach nicknamed the Wild One for its unspoiled scenery, is a beautiful example. Huge waves roll in from the ocean, and it’s rumored that this was the first place anyone ever surfed in the Basque country. That’s a tradition that’s kept alive today, with surfers traveling here from across Spain to enjoy some of the best waves anywhere in the country. Reachable via Bilbao’s Metro system, this isn’t a place where you can expect to have the sand all to yourself, especially on a sunny day in summer. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, making it popular with families with kids. Still, if you want a beautiful beach that’s easy to reach and big enough that you can usually find some space even on the hottest day, this is a great option. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Just a little to the east of Bilbao, this sprawling nature reserve is the perfect place to get away from it all. Covering 22,000 hectares surrounding a coastal estuary, this park offers dense forests, towering cliffs, and secluded beaches that feel like the middle of nowhere. The park is perhaps best known for its marshlands, which provide a crucially important habitat for shorebirds and other wildlife in this ocean area. That makes this a fantastic place for birdwatching. You’ll also find tons of hiking trails in the area leading you to spectacular views over the sea. If you want to get away from it all in the Basque country, there aren’t many better places to come than this. Faro Del Caballo For a stunning encounter with the rugged coast of the Bay of Biscay, head to this lighthouse outside Bilbao. An hour’s drive from the city, the astonishing views of the bright blue ocean and the frowning cliffs above it make it worth a special trip. The lighthouse itself isn’t all that impressive, but with the surroundings, it doesn’t need to be. There is a long coastal trail that will take you up over the cliffs and reward you with exceptional views, and there are even places where you can jump into the water from the cliffs to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Gorbeia Natural Park Around an hour’s drive from the city, this natural park protects Gorbeia, the highest peak in the area and a mountain of deep significance to Basque people. Rising to 1482 meters above sea level, the mountain provides unrivaled views over the Basque country and beyond. It’s also a popular place for hiking and climbing, with a variety of trails offering everything from an easy stroll to a challenging multi-day adventure. Don’t miss the beautiful Gujuli waterfall, and if you have the stamina for it, attempt the mountain peak. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural areas in the area, this is a place any outdoor lover will cherish. Enjoy Basque Country Along with its artistic and cultural treasures, Bilbao is blessed with some truly exceptional scenery. Leave your bags behind and allow yourself to explore this rich natural environment on your next trip to northern Spain. Read Also: Feast Your Way Through Europe: Best Tour Packages For Foodies 3 Of The Best European Holiday Destinations For Wintertime How To Prepare An Enjoyable Bus Tour In Europe

BY  Arnab Feb 15, 2023

If you are looking for the best places to visit this holiday, look at Nepal. It is one of the most popular countries in the world today. There are a lot of exciting things that you can see in this country. It offers outstanding scenery that will give you an incredible experience in Nepal. Nepal is an excellent place for all tourists who love nature and wildlife experiences. Consider spending about 7 - 21 days exploring all the great things Nepal offers.  Checkout 5 Best Things To Do In Nepal Here are some exciting things you can do when visiting this beautiful country.  1. Trekking in Nepal Nepal offers some of the best trekking routes in the world. This place is suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers who are coming from many different countries in the world. If you only have a short visit time in Nepal, try the 4-day Poonhill trek, which offers beautiful scenery of Nepal. You can also try the Everest Base Camp Trek and also Manaslu trek. Both spots are the best adventure treks in Nepal. They offer pristine nature and an incredible trekking experience for all tourists. 2. Peak Climbing Some people are interested in climbing some famous mountains in Nepal. You can try Mera Peak or Island Peak to get the best climbing experience with minimum experience. Both peaks can reach up to 6,000 meters. They are suitable for people with minimum or even no mountaineering experience. You will enjoy one of the most challenging adventures in your lifetime. Yala peak is another interesting peak that you can visit when you are in Nepal. It offers an excellent view of Shishapangma mountain, which is about 8,000 meters. It is the highest mountain in Tibet.  3. Cultural Tours There are a lot of interesting cultural tours that are available in Nepal. You can try some of these tours to explore the beauty of the ancient traditions in Nepal. Most of these tours will bring you to some famous cities in this country, such as Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Pokhara, Lumbini, and Chitwan. They offer exciting stories that will be very interesting for most tourists coming to Nepal. You can find a lot of beautiful temples, shrines, archaeological interests, and a lot of fascinating cultural heritages of Nepal.  4. White Water Rafting You can come to Nepal now for the best whitewater rafting experience. You can take the Four Day Kayaking Clinique along the Seti River. It is an excellent way to explore spectacular views of the natural beauty and riverside scenery here. This tour will start at Phewa Lake, which is located in Pokhara. It is suitable for all beginners who want to learn how to do kayaking correctly before trying more difficult and dominant Himalayan rivers around this country.  Related: Best Places For River Rafting In India 5. Wildlife Tours This is another exciting thing that you can do when you are in Nepal. You can visit Chitwan National Park to explore some exciting wildlife tours here. There are more than 500 beautiful migratory birds and other fascinating animals, such s one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, etc. This park covers about 332 square miles. It is the best place to see some exciting animals, such as crocodiles, rhinos, elephants, tigers, bears, etc., while in Nepal. You can take about a 3 - 4 day trip to explore all the exciting things here.  Read Also: Top 7 Best Places To Visit In Darjeeling – Travel Guide Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers Vadodara Boy Viaan Makes Proud Climbing 14,000 Ft In The Himalayas

BY  Sibashree May 14, 2025

The Baja California Sur region of Mexico is gaining massive foreign investments. Los Cabos is the most prominent name in this development, fetching a foreign investment of $783.3 million from January to September 2024. No wonder this dramatic region in Mexico, welcoming 3 million visitors annually and recording a 16% growth in tourism, is setting the benchmark for cities and municipalities that want to thrive on luxury tourism.  In the Quintana Roo state, Cancun, a Mayan refuge, is another popular destination in Mexico, attracting millions of visitors every year. The total number of air passenger movements in Cancun from January to April 2025 was 10,759,514.  Despite a 5% year-on-year deficit compared to 2024, Cancun, famous for its whale shark tours, remains a major contributor to Mexico's $16.25 billion tourism industry. Cancun also has some of the best amusement parks in Mexico.  So, it seems Cancun and Cabo are favorites when it comes to planning a Mexican getaway. However, which one is better for a vacation?  We will find the answer in this Cabo vs Cancun comparison.  Cabo Vs Cancun: Know The Basics Cabo is located in Western Mexico. Further, Cabo San Lucas is located at the tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula.  San Jose del Cabo International Airport is the main airport in Cabo. The city experiences a tropical desert climate with a maximum annual rainfall of 10 inches.  On the other hand, Cancun is on the eastern coast of Mexico. It has a tropical climate and receives around 52 inches of rainfall annually. What Is Cabo Famous For?  Why Does Everyone Go To Cabo? Los Cabos is a crown jewel in Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Just below the Tropic of Cancer, Los Cabos has 340-350 days of sunshine yearly. Further, its luxury resorts, stunning beaches, and the most happening nightlife, with places such as El Squid Roe and Cabo Wabo Cantina, make Cabo famous.  Los Cabos is also easily accessible, especially through direct flights from major U.S. cities such as Dallas, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Additionally, US Dollars are easily accepted here.  Moreover, Los Cabos is the second home to Hollywood biggies such as Cindy Crawford, George Clooney, Nick Jonas, and Jennifer Aniston. The Kardashians and Will Smith also frequently visit Cabo.  In addition, Cabo is the best place for spotting humpback whales from December to April. What Is Cancun Famous For? With its name originating from the Mayan language, Cancun, or the “Nest of Serpents,” is an unmatched location for anyone interested in the Mayan culture.  It is no wonder that Chichen Itza is the top attraction in Cancun. Located in the Yucatán, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Further, Cancun has the Great Maya Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. So, it is a paradise for the scuba divers who want a slice of marine life.  Again, Isla Mujeres is an idyllic island in Cancun for snorkeling, swimming, and spotting whale sharks.  Moreover, the Ecological Reserve is the biggest natural ecosystem in Mexico. Also, the Riviera Maya has some of the largest underwater cave systems in the world. Those are: Ox Bel Ha: 146.7 Kilometers Nohock Na Choch: 61 Kilometers Dos Ojos: 57.7 Kilometers Overall, the diverse tourism attractions in Cancun have made the Cancun International Airport the second busiest in the country. Cabo Vs Cancun Safety: Which One Is Safer? Winner: Cabo 🏆 Like the question of “Is Monterrey Mexico Safe?”, traveler safety in Cancun and Cabo remains a concern. Cancun Traveler Safety The U.S. Government has issued a travel advisory for Cancun in 2025. Quintana Roo, the state where Cancun is located, has a Level 2 caution for tourists.  With robbery being the most frequent crime in Cancun, reaching a whopping 25% of the total crimes in 2024, Cancun has also been struggling with issues such as street scams and violent crimes.  However, increased police presence, surveillance systems, coordination with the hotels, and public awareness campaigns have been the measures to keep the crime rates in this region in check.  Cabo Traveler Safety Is Cabo San Lucas safe? What about the crime scenarios in other parts of Los Cabos? Let’s find out the data.  Cabo is safer than Cancun, with a USA Travel Advisory of “Exercise Increased Caution” in the Baja California Sur area. This caution is similar to that of many European destinations.  However, the murder of a law enforcement officer on 22nd April and the burning of three buses on 24th April, 2025, have created some unrest in the area.  Still, Los Cabos has a lower crime rate than many other areas of Mexico, such as Acapulco and Tijuana.  In addition, there are dedicated tourist police in areas such as Medano Beach and the Marina District.  Moreover, the types of crime here include petty scams and theft. Violent crimes against tourists are rare here.  Cabo Vs Cancun Beaches: Which One Is Better As A Tropical Getaway? Winner: It’s a Tie 🤝 It’s hard to pick a favorite among the beautiful beaches in Cabo and Cancun. Cabo in the Pacific Ocean and Cancun in the Caribbean Sea have very different waters and beaches.  Beaches In Cabo The beaches in Cabo exude the quintessential charm of the Pacific Ocean coast. Further, Cabo sees the Pacific Ocean meeting the Sea of Cortez.  The most beautiful beaches for swimming in Cabo are: Medano Beach and Lover's Beach, along the Sea of Cortez Cabo Pulmo Marine Park Playa Acapulquito and Chileno Beach in the Tourist Corridor The waters here are electric blue, and the coastline is dotted with cacti. Furthermore, from January to April, Cabo is the best place to spot whales and go deepwater fishing.  In addition, you can do scuba diving in Cabo Pulmo, a nearby national marine park. Here, you can meet eels, big-eyed jacks, sea turtles, porkfish, snappers, etc.  Beaches In Cancun Beaches in Cancun show the charm of the Caribbean Sea. Playa Delfines, Playa Langosta, and Playa Tortugas are the most popular among them.  Playa Delfines is a known destination for Jet skiing or parasailing. Also, you can do scuba diving, fishing, and kayaking.  Moreover, you can spot whales if you visit Cancun from June to October.  Cabo Vs Cancun For Partying: Which One Is More Fun?  Winner: Cancun🏆 Cancun is the Spring Break destination in the world. You can dance it out at Mandala Nightclub and enjoy the best cocktails at the JW Lobby Bar.  Los Cabos also has a vibrant nightlife. However, the vibe here is much laid-back. El Squid Roe and Cabo Wabo Cantina are some of the best places to experience the party scene and nightlife of Los Cabos.  Cabo Vs Cancun For Families: Know The Top Attractions Winner: Cabo 🏆 Cancun's natural and cultural attractions are more varied and vivid than those in Los Cabos. However, Los Cabos is a more family-friendly destination because most activities and attractions here are beach-centric, accommodating people of all ages.  Also, the luxury hotels and accommodations in Los Cabos offer a “Next-Level Experience” to visitors.  Moreover, Los Cabos is safer than Cancun in terms of crime rate.  Top Attractions in Los CabosTop Attractions in CancunFamily-Friendly Things to Do in Los CabosFamily-Friendly Things to Do in Cancun‣ Medano Beach‣ Santa Maria Beach‣ Playa el Chileno‣ Lovers Beach‣ Cerritos Beach‣ El Arco‣ Cabo Pulmo National Park‣ Sierra de la Laguna‣ Todos Santos‣ San José del Cabo‣ Chichén Itzá - UNESCO World Heritage Site‣ Isla Mujeres‣ Selvatica Eco Park‣ Mayan Museum of Cancun‣ Zona Arqueologica El Rey‣ Playa Tortugas‣ Xcaret Park‣ Ventura Park‣ Swimming and building sand castles at Medano Beach.‣ Boat tours to visit the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. ‣ Snorkeling in Cabo Pulmo‣ Horseback riding in Baja Outback‣ Whale watching and dolphin encounters.‣ Ferry ride to Isla Mujeres‣ ATV tours and zipline in Selvatica‣ Swimming in Playa Tortugas‣ Visiting Chichen Itza Cabo Vs Cancun For Couples: What Are The Best Things To Do? Winner: It’s a Tie 🤝 If you are traveling as a couple, your favorite destination between Cancun and Los Cabos will depend on your preference.  For example, Cancun is more energetic, while Los Cabos has a laid-back vibe. Cancun further stands out thanks to its Mayan connection.  Also, Cancun has more swimmable beaches than Los Cabos.  The beaches in Los Cabos offer more adventurous experiences to couples. You can swim, surf, dive, and snorkel there. On the other hand, despite having scuba diving facilities, the beaches in Cancun are more resort-centric.  Again, the nightlife in Cancun is more vibrant in Cancun, whereas Los Cabos is a better choice for a gastronomic delight. Cabo Vs Cancun Food Scene: Local Flavors And Delicacies Winner: Cabo 🏆 Los Cabos promises a diverse food experience. You can have the best tacos at a beachside shack and indulge in the best haute dining.  You must also try the best handmade tortillas and wines from the North Baja wineries.  Nevertheless, if you want a gourmet experience, visit Cocina de Autor (a Michelin Star restaurant), CarbónCabron, and Lumbre.  Again, San José del Cabo is the best place in Mexico to celebrate the country's “Farm-to-Table” tradition.  Food in Cancun, however, is an ode to the Mayan culture. You will fall in love with the fish cooked in banana leaves and slow-cooked pork here.  Kiosk Verde (a Michelin-mentioned restaurant), El Pocito, and Rosa Negra are some of the most famous eating places in Cancun. What Is Better Cancun Or Cabo? And The Winner Is… Let’s explore a different side before declaring the winner of this Cabo vs Cancun comparison.  Mexico these days, earns a lot of foreign investments in tourism. Cancun and Los Cabos are not exceptions in these.  Los Cabos, especially, is located in the Baja California Sur, which is the topmost destination in attracting foreign investments.  However, foreign investments and the developments here are now harming the local habitat and ecosystem. The breach of environmental regulations and intrusion to traditional way of living in these places are posing challenges to local heritage and conservation efforts.  Nevertheless, here is the scorecard from this Cabo vs Cancun comparison. ParameterLos CabosCancunSafetyWinnerRunner-UpBeachesWinnerWinnerAs a Family DestinationWinnerRunner-UpNightlifeRunner-UpWinnerAs a Couple DestinationWinnerWinnerFoodWinnerRunner-UpOverall Winner Score53 So, the winner is Los Cabos!  Is Cabo Or Cancun Water Warmer? The water in Cancun is warmer than in Cabo because of their geographical locations. Cancun is located in the Caribbean Sea, while Cabo is nestled in the Pacific Ocean.  However, the maximum water temperature in Cabo reaches 31 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the maximum water temperature in Cancun, 30.5 degrees Celsius.  January is the coldest month in Cancun, and August is the warmest. In Cabo, April is the coldest month in terms of water temperature, and the water temperature reaches its maximum in September.  Here is a detailed month-wise comparison of Cabo vs Cancun water temperature based on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. MonthMaximum Water Temperature in Cabo (°C)Maximum Water Temperature in Cancun (°C)Minimum Water Temperature in Cabo (°C)Minimum Water Temperature in Cancun (°C)January24.726.520.224February22.726.420.324.1March22.626.420.224.2April23.427.119.625.8May25.628.321.426.4June26.12920.127.5July28.829.822.727.1August30.230.526.728.1September3130.127.928.1October30.729.827.226.7November29.12824.525.8December26.426.821.825.1 Is Cabo A Luxury Destination? Yes, Cabo is a luxury destination. It has Michelin Key hotels, such as: Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection (2 Keys) Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection (2 Keys) Montage Los Cabos (2 Keys) Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (2 Keys) Nobu Hotel Los Cabos (1 Key) The Cape, a Thompson Hotel (1 Key) These names, featured in the Michelin Guide announcement made on 12th September 2024, continue to provide visitors with their “next-level” of service. Cabo is also home to Cocina de Autor, a Michelin Star restaurant in the Grand Velas Hotel.  However, Cabo's “luxury” quotient is not just limited to Michelin-Key hotels and Michelin-Star restaurant experiences.  From ATVing to snorkeling, scuba diving, whale-watching, and horseback riding, Cabo's outdoor and wellness activities are endless.  Further, the beaches and the beautiful coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez make Cabo one of the most picturesque locations in Mexico, with a laid-back vibe.  In addition, the desert landscape, hot springs, and waterfalls make Cabo vivid and unique. Why Is It So Expensive To Go To Cabo? Los Cabos, one of the safest areas in Mexico, is expensive because of the luxury experience, geographical location, and the growing popularity among tourists. Further, international flights to Cabo are expensive, and there are high immigration and customs charges. However, these are not the only reasons Cabo is an expensive travel destination.  The rise in the number of visitors to Cabo has led to rapid development in the area, which is great. However, it has also made doing business or living here more expensive.  On the other hand, the decreasing national unemployment rate in Mexico1, high inflation, “doubling of wages since 2018) and shortage of laborers have made things worse for the tourism and hospitality businesses in the region.  In other words, businesses also have to maintain their financial health, and operational costs will increase due to increased labor costs and higher dependency on imports for various goods.  So, these facilities, such as accommodations and restaurants, charge travelers more money.  Nevertheless, with Cabo being an expensive location, businesses face challenges in offering customer satisfaction or a value-for-money experience. Starbucks has been one of the most prominent names to flag this issue.  Having said that, strategic investment in the use of technology in these facilities and a lesser dependency on human labor can keep the cost of living or traveling to tourism within limits.  Cancun Vs Cabo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are frequently asked questions and answers related to the Cancun vs Cabo comparison. Why Is Cabo Mexico So Popular? Cabo, connected to various US cities through the Los Cabos Airport, is a popular tourist attraction due to its diverse attractions. It has calm and beautiful beaches like Medano, and in the winter, it offers whale-watching activities and adventures such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and big-game fishing.In fact, Cabo San Lucas in the Los Cabos region, known as the “Marlin Capital of the World,” is experiencing significant growth in its sports-fishing industry. Moreover, the desert mountains and unique geological formations such as El Arco add drama to the local landscape. Additionally, you can enjoy luxurious dining and resort experiences here. Want to explore the surroundings? Cabo and its surrounding areas are well accessible by car.  Why Can't We Swim In Cabo? Cabo has many swimming-friendly beaches, such as Medano Beach and Lover's Beach, along the Sea of Cortez, Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, and Playa Acapulquito and Chileno Beach in the Tourist Corridor.   Having said that, many beaches in Cabo, especially along the Pacific Ocean, are unsuitable for swimming. Playa Solmar, Divorce Beach, and Pedregal are beaches where you cannot swim. Strong currents, waves, and rip tides make these beaches unsafe for swimming. Also, the steep drop-offs on many beaches make it difficult to gauge the depth of the water. What Money Is Used In Cabo? The Mexican Peso, the country's currency, is used in Cabo. Cabo also accepts US dollars. Many ATMs dispense US dollars, or resorts convert US dollars to Pesos. However, be careful about the current exchange rate. As of today, 1 USD = 19.44 Mexican Pesos. Also, many local merchants offer you less than the exchange rate while buying goods from them. So, it is best to pay with Mexican Pesos.